Hey Bobbi;- I was born and raised in SF also. There's a nice beach west of Muir Woods as I remember that may have some decent shells. In most cases along the Pacific Coast, the incoming surf is so high and heavy that most beach shells are reduced to sand grain size before they hit the beach. South of Santa Barbara, it's a lot better. I went to Grant School and Lowell High, and lived by Lafayett Park on Sacramento Street. Where do you live now? Art